GREETINGS!

I have decided to run the Chicago marathon this year.  I was looking for motivation to improve my overall health and stick with an exercise program when I received an e-mail from World Vision asking if I would like to join their team running the Chicago marathon.

After careful consideration and prayer I asked my good friend Dennis Dougherty if he would consider running the Chicago marathon with me this year as part of Team World Vision.  Dennis has run several marathons in the past so I thought we could train together.  We decided to register for the marathon and join the team.  In case you are wondering, each team member runs the complete marathon (no relays).  Please consider making a donation to World Vision as a way of sponsoring our run this year.

If you are interested in sending me any encouragement (it would be greatly appreciated), please e-mail me at mark.smiael@hotmail.com.  After all, I have quite a long training road ahead of me.

You can support my efforts through Team World Vision:

Click on the SPONSOR ME NOW button to make a one time donation.

or

Click on the SPONSOR A CHILD button below to change the life of a child for $35 per month, and be changed through your relationship with that child.